Generation gap distorts public policy

12:28 PM,
Mar. 17, 2014

Written by

ROSS K. BAKER

The "Generation Gap" has a faintly musty odor about it, reminiscent of long-haired teens in bell-bottoms battling with seniors in double-knits over rock music and the Vietnam War.

But after lying dormant for decades, the gap has come roaring back. It is causing considerable turbulence in American politics and in unusual ways promoting the gridlock in Washington.

The starkness of the gap between young and old was on display in the 2012 presidential election, when Barack Obama won 67 percent among voters ages 18 to 29. Not surprisingly, the party preferences of the youngest and oldest voters ...